Megas doux

The megas doux (Greek: μέγας δούξ pronounced [ˈmeɣaz ˈðuks]; English: grand duke) was one of the highest positions in the hierarchy of the later Byzantine Empire, denoting the commander-in-chief of the Byzantine navy. It is sometimes also given by the half-Latinizations megaduke or megadux (from Greek μεγαδούξ). The Greek word δούξ is the Hellenized form of the Latin term dux, meaning leader or commander.

History and functions

The office was initially created by Alexios I Komnenos (r. 1081–1118), who reformed the derelict Byzantine navy and amalgamated the remnants of its various provincial squadrons into a unified force under the megas doux. The Emperor's brother-in-law John Doukas is usually considered to have been the first to hold the title, being raised to it in 1092, when he was tasked with suppressing the Turkish emir Tzachas. There is however a document dated to December 1085, where a monk Niketas signs as supervisor of the estates of an unnamed megas doux. The office of "doux of the fleet" (δούξ τοῦ στόλου), with similar responsibilities and hence perhaps a precursor of the office of megas doux, is also mentioned at the time, being given ca. 1086 to Manuel Boutoumites and in 1090 to Constantine Dalassenos.

Megas

Magnús Þór Jónsson (born April 7, 1945), also known by his mononym Megas, is a rock and roll singer, songwriter, and writer who is well known in his native country of Iceland.

Interest in music

Being an admirer of Elvis Presley, Megas welcomed the arrival of rock & roll to Iceland by 1956, although his interest in music had to be postponed while he attended grammar school in 1960.

While he was young, he studied piano and showed skill at painting. He wrote outrageous short stories for the school papers and in 1968 he also published the sheet music and lyrics to 14 songs, many of which would be released on his first records. As a young bohemian writer, he was inspired by Bob Dylan and Ray Davies, and embarked into songwriting, but his works were not copies of the American or British idols, but in fact, his songs were very original.

First release and controversy

At the beginning of the seventies, his music works were not accessible as Megas only performed them to his friends of the left-wing circles. However, in 1972, Icelandic students in Oslo, Norway helped him release his first album, in which diabolic and satiric lyrics were accompanied by a mild acoustic music played by Norwegian folk musicians. This work caused controversy and his music was banned by the Icelandic national radio, but Megas became a cult figure in the growing alternative scene.

Megas (album)

Megas is the first album by Icelandic rock singer Magnús Þór Jónsson (better known as Megas).

The original album released in 1972 has 15 songs and was released on CD in 1994. The 2002 remastered reissue has seven bonus tracks, demos and live recordings. Most of the bonus tracks have not been released on any other album. “Pældu í því (sem pælandi er í)” is a variation of “Spáðu í mig” with a slightly different melody and a different lyric, but the same theme. A new version of the song “Adieu Capital” reappeared in 2005 on an album jointly released by Megas and Súkkat titled Hús Datt.

Track listing

Track note:

External links

Megas 1972–2002

Megas 1972–2002 is a compilation released in 2002 by the Icelandic rock singer Megas to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his music career. This compilation, made up of 43 tracks, contains several of Megas's hits, from the first album titled Megas (1972) to Englaryk í Tímaglasi (2002).

The compilation features singer Björk as backing vocalist and the long-time collaborator, Guðlaugur Kristinn Óttarsson, who added guitars on several tracks.

Track listing

External links